On Aug. 21, Americans will be able to see a total solar eclipse, which many people are calling the Great American Total Solar Eclipse.

A total solar eclipse is whenever the moon completely blocks the sun, allowing the sun to “disappear”.

The path of totality, where Americans will see the full solar eclipse, spans from Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. A total of 14 states (Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wyoming) will be able to see the full solar eclipse.

Other areas in the world will be able to see the partial eclipse. The areas include Canada, Central America, Mexico, Caribbean Islands, Europe and Russia.

For the states that are not included, they will be able to see a partial solar eclipse. Unfortunately for Texas, we will not be able to see a total solar eclipse. If you are up for a drive or a quick flight there, the closest state to us on the path of totality is Missouri.

It is suggested by NASA and many experts that everyone planning on viewing the solar eclipse use solar viewing glasses. According to space.com, sunglasses cannot be substituted as solar viewing glasses.

School is just around the corner. Many stores offer deals for back-to-school around this time.

Since school is just around the corner, you can find tons and tons of back-to-school deals at this moment. Whether you hear the deals in an ad on Spotify or in an ad on the radio, it would be tragic to not take advantage of any of them.

You can find back-to-school deals almost anywhere. Here is a list of deals that are going on right now from stores that many people shop at:

There are an array of documentaries on Netflix that are worth watching, including "13th", "Twinsters", "First Position" and "Blackfish".

Scrolling endlessly to find something to watch on Netflix? Do you usually take more time trying to find something to watch rather than actually watching something? Although the documentary section on Netflix may be overlooked at times, there are a number of hidden gems in there that are worth watching.

I compiled a list of Rotten Tomatoes fresh documentaries that are worth watching (all can be found available to stream on Netflix):

Food, Inc.

Looking for a reason to quit eating meat? “Food, Inc.” gives you look into the food industry, shining light on the way big corporations treat how their food is being produced. The documentary covers the how companies produce meat, grains, vegetables, while also interviewing farmers and industry experts to get their take on the issue. It was nominated at the Academy Awards in 2010 for Best Documentary, so you will not want to miss it.

The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young

This documentary takes a look inside an intense trail race, the Barkley Marathons, that only 15 people have finished. The documentary shows the ins and outs of the history behind it, what the race is and how people endure it (or not). The prison escape of James Earl Ray, Martin Luther King, Jr’s assassin, was the inspiration behind the actual creation of the trail.

First Position

“First Position” shows the lives of six ballet dancers as they get ready for a prestigious ballet competition called Youth America Grand Prix. The documentary has gained worldwide acclaim, winning second place for Best Documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Fed Up

“Fed Up” is about the growing issue of obesity that has taken the United States by storm. News journalist Katie Couric co-produced this documentary as well as narrated it. The documentary also informs viewers about the sugar that is in many processed foods, which is a problem that many people did not recognize.

The Fear of 13

This documentary allows a man named Nick Yarris to tell his story of being wrongly convicted of a murder that he later was proved innocent of from DNA evidence. Yarris tells his story of spending 21 years on Death Row, with only him on camera, making you think differently about how crime is dealt with.

Blackfish

“Blackfish” is a popular documentary about an orca who was held captive and mistreated by SeaWorld. This documentary educates viewers on the dangers of keeping killer whales locked up in captivity, which caused massive public criticism of SeaWorld.

13th

“13th”, directed by Ava DuVernay, discusses the 13th amendment place in America. The documentary talks about race, slavery, the incarceration system and everything in between. It was nominated for Best Documentary at this year’s Academy Awards.

Twinsters

“Twinsters” tells the story of twins who were separated at birth and adopted from different families and grew up on different continents. It shows the journey of how they found each other on social media and shows footage of them getting to meet each other.

Yoga has many benefits such as reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health.

In an article I posted last month, I briefly touched on the benefits of yoga. I wrote about a local yoga studio in Coppell, Yoga From The Heart, and discussed the history of the business.

To expand on my earlier article, I want to discuss five benefits to immersing yourself in yoga.

Improves flexibility

While this is the most obvious way yoga improves your health, it still makes a big difference. The benefits to stretching include improving back pain, prevents injuries and allows for easy functionality of moving.

Helps posture

Downward facing dog, the tree pose and the cobra pose are among the many yoga poses that helps improve posture. If you do not want to be seeing your chiropractor every week, doing these poses will help align your bones and joints. Also, not only do you outwardly look better, your spine also thanks you.

Reduces weight

In a study done by Harvard Health Publications, “[people] who practiced yoga had lower body mass indexes (BMIs) compared to those who did not practice yoga.” Yogis are more aware of being “mindful eaters”, meaning they are more aware of how their body is reacting to hunger, which allows them to be a healthier eater.

Reduces stress

It is a commonly known conception that exercise relieves stress. Since yoga is exercise, you are helping your mind and body relieve the stresses in your life. Yoga allows you to concentrate and relax because of the meditation and breathing exercises already apart of yoga.

Improves cardiovascular health

According to research from Erasmus University Medical Center and Harvard School of Public Health, yoga lowers blood pressure and improves cholesterol levels. Additionally, cardiac rehabilitation programs are starting to include yoga.

The great benefit to yoga is that there are many options to do it: you can do it at the comfort of your own home, take a class or even do it in a park.

Here is a list of YouTube channels that you can start with at the comfort of your own home:

Music from artists such as Fall Out Boy, Kesha and Fifth Harmony comes out in the upcoming months of summer.

Music takes us back to our most cherished memories of our lives. That one lyric from a song or one beat from a song reminds us of certain moments we will never forget.

As summer comes to a close, there’s still time to create more moments with the most highly anticipated album releases from a variety of artists.

Here are five of the most highly anticipated music releases of the rest of the summer.

Brett Eldredge - Brett Eldredge

August 4

Most known for “Wanna Be That Song” and “Drunk On Your Love”, singer Brett Eldredge has marked his place in country music industry. Eldredge has won countless BMI Country Awards and has been nominated for some of the most coveted awards in his field. His fourth studio album, which is self-titled, is set to come out Aug. 4. In a Billboard article, Eldredge described this album as coming from “a perspective of where [he is] at with love and heartbreak.” The lead single “Somethin’ I’m Good At” to the album debuted this past March. View the album’s tracklist here.

Kesha - Rainbow

August 11

It has been five years since pop singer Kesha released her last album “Warrior”. Kesha has had an array of top-charting songs, which consist of “Tik Tok”, “We R Who We R” and “Die Young”. Her third studio album, set to release Aug. 11, was inspired by many artists, among them are Iggy Pop, Dolly Parton and The Beatles. The album is described as a culmination of the struggles she has faced in her life, including her ongoing legal battle with her former producer. So far three of the tracks have been released: “Praying”, “Woman” and “Learn to Let Go”. View the tracklist here.

Fifth Harmony - Fifth Harmony

August 25

Emerging in 2012, pop and r&b Fifth Harmony have graced themselves in the music industry as a powerhouse girl group. They have released two albums since they emerged in the music scene. This third self-titled studio album will be the first release since one of the band members, Camila Cabello, left the group last December. The lead single and only single that has been released so far, “Down” ft. Gucci Mane, came out this past June. The tracklist has yet to be released.

Fall Out Boy - Mania

September 15

Known for their pop punk sounding tracks, Fall Out Boy is a band that many teens and young adults nowadays have grown up listening to. Fall Out Boy is set to release their seventh studio album, Mania, on Sept. 15. Only two of the tracks, “Young and Menace” and “Champion”, have been released to the public. As of now, the tracklist is unknown.

Foo Fighters - Concrete and Gold

September 15

The Foo Fighters are one of the most well-known mid-90s rock bands. The band is set to release its ninth studio album, Concrete and Gold, on Sept. 15. Winning a total of 11 Grammys, the band has become a legendary force in rock music history. According to the band, the new album’s sounds can be described as “hard rock extremes and pop sensibilities collide”. View the tracklist here.

George: Coffee + Provisions, located in Old Town Coppell, opened last Tuesday. The new addition of Old Town offers a family-friendly place to relax.

Old Town Coppell is known for its vintage feel that brings charm to the community. The new addition of George: Coffee + Provisions coffee shop fits right into the character of Old Town.

For months now, I have been wanting to visit the George coffee shop. When I found out the shop would have a soft opening last Tuesday, I jumped at the opportunity to visit it. Now that I have visited it, I can firmly say that I was not disappointed.

The outside of the coffeehouse is surrounded by a white picket fence that reaffirms the suburban lifestyle that Coppell encompasses. The curb appeal of the big white exterior draws you right in.

On the inside of the fence, there is room for people to visit underneath the porch. In the yard area, an array of tables and chairs are set up so people are able to relax outside, reminiscent of a courtyard.

Customers in the courtyard can play a game of cornhole-a feature that not too many coffee shops have, and what I think makes George so special.

Upon walking inside, the interior of the shop gave me Fixer Upper vibes. The entirety of the interior looks like it could come out of a country chic decor magazine. The walls are all white, the light fixtures are modern and there is a painted brick fireplace.

As for the menu, the drinks served there ranges from coffee and frappes to tea and lattes. Any coffee enthusiast would be pleased.

Everything on the menu looked pleasing, but I ordered the cappuccino, and it met my expectations.

The staff was well-trained, and everyone made you feel welcome. Coffee shops with friendly service make me want to go back, which is why I think this business will stay around long.

All in all, I recommend going to George for the friendly Coppell community atmosphere that you will not get in other coffee shops.

Brad Hunt has been named the lone finalist for the Coppell ISD (CISD) Superintendent position, according to a post announced on the CISD website.

Prior to the announcement of the nomination, many members of the community expressed support for him.

One member of the community created an online petition for citizens to sign in support of Hunt obtaining the position. The petition has garnered 375 signatures.

“Brad Hunt would make an excellent Superintendent for Coppell ISD,” Kori Stolar, who wrote in a comment on the petition, said. “He is a proven leader by example and has an impeccable reputation both personally and professionally. We would be lucky to have him in the top position here in Coppell.”

It took two weeks for the CISD Board of Trustees to interview all of the candidates for the new position.

Hunt has had an extensive history in CISD, stemming back from 1990, where he taught special education, world geography and American government at Coppell High School (CHS).

Afterward, he became Coppell Middle School West’s assistant principal. Hunt then became a principal for a Carroll ISD middle school. Following that, Hunt returned to CISD and was the principal at CHS from 2006 to 2011.

Up until this point, he has been the Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services.

Many parents and students have expressed gratitude on various social media sites since he has been announced lone finalist.

There must be a period of 21 days after lone finalist is announced, before the Board is authorized to officially announce the Superintendent. That rule is mandatory from the State of Texas.

On August 1, Hunt will be able to officially take the position as Superintendent of Coppell ISD.

Local business Yoga From The Heart has offered classes to citizens in need of taking up all of the benefits yoga has to offer for five years now.

At Yoga From The Heart, its belief is that yoga is for everybody. Students who attend the studio range in age from 11 years old to almost 80 years old.

Classes offer a mix of yoga poses, breathing practices and meditation. Props are also available so yoga poses can be done by anyone.

Owner Jan Guinn started the business for the purpose of being able to share the gift of yoga with others.

It all started when Guinn took her first yoga class in 2003. She left the class feeling at peace and at ease for the first time in a long time. At that time she did not know much about yoga, but she began to come across articles that revealed the health benefits that yoga offered.

After that first class, she attended as many classes that were offered and as many as her job allowed.

“I was a home health care executive in a high stress job and even though I was running three to four miles each morning, it just wasn’t enough to ease the stress,” Guinn said.

In 2004, the company that Guinn worked for was going through an ownership change and Guinn had the option to stay with a greatly reduced salary or leave with a severance package.

“At that point in my life, it was a no-brainer. I needed to get out,” Guinn said. “I’d lost the drive to work 60 hours a week and missed having quality time with family and friends. That’s when I decided that I wanted to teach yoga.”

After that, Guinn had the opportunity to teach classes at a local gym, and from there, her desire to learn more about yoga grew.

The opportunity for her to own studio space arose in the summer of 2012.

When Guinn’s first yoga teacher was selling her Coppell yoga studio, Surya Center for Yoga, she approached Guinn to purchase it. Initially, Guinn said no.

“I didn’t want to own a studio,” Guinn said. “I didn’t think I was in a position financially to own a studio and I was teaching so many classes at other facilities that I wasn’t sure how I could possibly add studio ownership.”

Eventually, things started to fall in place and Yoga From The Heart came to be. The name ‘Yoga From The Heart’ fully reflects how she feels about practicing, teaching and sharing yoga.

“We live in a world that is always asking us to do more and to do it faster,” Guinn said. “Yoga invites us to slow down and focus just on what’s happening within us right now. It’s the opportunity to set aside the stress, frustration, disappointment, anger of the day.”

Five years later, Yoga From The Heart has continually been a place for a diverse and thriving community of local yogis from Coppell and surrounding areas.

“It’s taken some time [for Yoga From The Heart to grow] but we have a truly amazing community that is steadily growing,” Guinn said.

Since March of 2016, the Coppell Parks and Recreation has been working on the long-awaited renovations of Andrew (Andy) Brown Park West and East. The Park Projects Manager, John Elias, has been instrumental in the success of this project, as well as other important Coppell projects.

“My passion is that I like to do things the right way. I don’t like to cut corners or try to do something where you don’t have enough budget and funding so you do it but it’s not done at a high level. I love to do things right even if it’s a challenging project,” Elias said. “We had the resources, the City Council was behind us 100%. They supported it, they funded it, the community approved funding of it, and so we knew we had the money to do it right, and we had a good vision of what the community was wanting and so we were able to do a high-level project without having to cut corners and squeeze budget and all that so that’s the main reason that I came to the city of Coppell.

Yesterday, the grand opening of the newly renovated Andy Brown Park East occurred, as part of the Celebrate Coppell Independence celebration.

Prior to the redevelopment, Andy Brown West was primarily a sports complex with mainly soccer fields and some softball fields. Andy Brown East was primarily a girls softball athletic park. The city of Coppell decided to redevelop the entire Andy Brown Park system because the community asked for a park that had more open space, a place for special events, community gatherings, a place to picnic or throw a frisbee, as the majority of the purpose for those parks were sports dominating.

As Park Projects Manager, Elias’s role was to be the city representative for the project. Elias dealt with the general contractor while constructing it and the engineers and landscape architects while going through the design process. Brad Reid, Director of Parks and Recreation, along with several others, were also involved in the design process. Once construction began, Elias participated in all of the site visits, went to all of the meetings, dealt with change orders and in general, anything related to the project.

Both parks were renovated, and the department moved all the sports out of Andy Brown East and moved them over to Andy Brown West, scraping both parks completely clean and rebuilding Andy Brown West.

Andy Brown West contains a top of the line athletic park of a new girls softball four plex and soccer fields. In contrast, Andy Brown East contains brand new pavilions and is a place for the city to hold special events, like the Celebrate Coppell event that happened yesterday.

Andy Brown West was finished in March. While the trails are open for people to use, the athletic fields are not yet open.

“We’re still currently growing the grass on the fields so we’re going to open [the fields] this fall in late August,” Elias said. “Once we got that all finished, then we moved over to Andy Brown East and that’s where we’ve been working on the last six months.”

Due to the fact that the construction budget was approximately $21 million for both sites, this has been the biggest project Elias has ever worked on.

“It’s a huge project and typically a really big project for us might be $1 million or $2 million dollar project,” Elias said. “Just the size of it and what we were able to create, you don’t get very many opportunities to do a project this size and this nice.”

Throughout the project process, there have been some challenges through the way.

“The hardest part for me was having to shut the parks down and close them off to the community. The people that live in Coppell really utilize our parks and our trail system and we had to shut both parks down for over a year,” Elias said. “The community was very patient and now that’s why I’m excited for people to be able to get in here and see it. The hardest part was just knowing that something that’s used so often by the community [wouldn’t be able to be] used for 15 months but now we’re able to open it all back up so they can enjoy it.”

The non-negotiable deadline, July 1, was planned almost two years ago.

“It was quite a challenge, it was a good job to work on,” Elias said. “I’ve enjoyed working on it and we [made] our deadline, which is to do the grand opening for the Celebrate Coppell event.”

Despite the challenges, ultimately the accommodating nature of the City Council and the community makes all of the work for the park worth it.

“We were able to do it just like the vision was, and all the graphics that we were able to get that done and accomplished. I’m excited for the community to be able to get out and really see it now and enjoy it and I’m thankful that they had the vision to build a park like this,” Elias said. “Not very many cities have a park that is purely a passive park and one that can hold events like this. I’m ready for everybody to be able to see it.”

Elias’s past experience with other park projects such as Wagon Wheel Park, Coppell Aquatics and Recreation Center (now The CORE) and the Coppell Dog Park have helped him succeed with this tremendous project.

“I’ve worked on a bunch [of projects]. I started working for the city of Coppell in 2001 so I’ve been there 16 years and I’ve gotten to work on a lot of good projects,” Elias said. “[The city of Coppell is] a good place to work.”

Elias could not be more proud of how the park turned out, and he knows that the park will exceed the expectations of the citizens of Coppell.

“I knew that [Coppell has] a very high expectation for what their community is and has. We were able to do that here so that's been the best part of it is they were all behind it and they funded it and they gave us enough money to do it right. There’s always something new that’ll come along but [it was] done at a very high level and I think the community’s going to love it.”